**Chapter 2: Shadows in the Dark**

The sound of shuffling footsteps grew louder, and I motioned to Eugene to move to the side, out of sight. I took a deep breath, my finger tightening on the trigger of my gun. The groaning grew louder, and I could tell that whatever was making the noise was moving in our direction. As the footsteps drew closer, I saw a figure emerge from the darkness. It was a young woman, her eyes sunken and her skin pale. She was dressed in a tattered hospital gown, and her hair was matted with dirt and grime. She looked up at me with a mixture of fear and desperation in her eyes. I lowered my gun, and Eugene moved back into view, his rifle still trained on the woman. But as he saw her condition, he relaxed his grip, his expression softening. The woman took a step back, her eyes darting between us. "Please," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You have to help me. I'm so sick." I took a step forward, my hand extended. "We're not going to hurt you," I said gently. "What's your name?" The woman hesitated, then replied, "Emily." Eugene motioned to me, and I nodded. We needed to be careful, but we also needed to help her if we could. I took another step forward, and Emily flinched, her eyes welling up with tears. "Hey, it's okay," I said softly. "We're here to help. What do you need?" Emily's voice cracked as she spoke. "I need...I need medicine. I've been sick for days. I think I have pneumonia." I exchanged a glance with Eugene, and I knew what we had to do. We had to find those medical supplies, and fast. I helped Emily to her feet, and we began to move cautiously through the hospital, searching for any signs of a pharmacy or a medical storage room. As we moved, Eugene kept his rifle at the ready, scanning the shadows for any signs of danger. I kept a close eye on Emily, making sure she was stable and able to walk. We moved slowly, our senses on high alert, as we navigated the dark and deserted hallways. Suddenly, Emily stopped, her head cocked to one side. "Do you hear that?" she whispered. I listened, and after a moment, I heard it too – the sound of footsteps, heavy and deliberate, coming from deeper in the hospital. Eugene's eyes locked on mine, and I knew that we were not alone in the hospital. And whatever was making that noise, it was coming straight for us.